Baume & Mercier Classima Executives Magnum XXL

Some men's watches really need time to prove their worth. While the new Baume & Mercier Classima Executives Magnum XXL lacks a bit of distinctive character, it does serve as a stylish accessory. Conservative in the category of sport watches, it has a certain restrained masculinity to it, and further ventures somewhere between classy and active in theme. Unique features include the chronograph pushers and crown guard as well as the triangle-shaped sapphire caseback window on the rear of the watch that provides a view of the movement. The case’s side style is carried over to the deeply grooved black rubber strap.

The watch comes in two versions. The first is a PVD black coated model with a bicompax chronograph layout (measuring up to 30 minutes), and then a polished and satin finished steel version with a fuller three-subdial chronograph display (measuring up to 12 hours).

The choice of style is up to you, as Baume & Mercier wants to give you options. The case has some fluting around the sides and is 44mm wide (this apparently is “XXL” for the brand). The dial is all black with applied rhodium-plated hour markers. Those, along with the hands (their top halves) have been coated with SuperLumiNova for darkness viewing. Still, the hands feel too soft in design and a touch to short on the watch face. We would have liked to see how bolder-looking hands would suit the rest of the design. Chronograph subdials are easy to read and the chubby hands are better served there.

A major success for the Baume & Mercier Classima Executives Magnum XXL is that, while it borrows its style from many other watches, it retains a unique look. “Acceptable and poised” are terms we would use to describe the style as opposed to “exciting and adventurous.” However, it is a look that won't appear aged decades from now.

With a thick steel case and 200 meters of water resistance, the watch can take a bit of a beating, but isn’t made for your jungle adventures. Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic chronograph movement (the same movement in both versions). Baume & Mercier upped the luxury level by adding some nice Cotes de Geneve polish on the movement surfaces. The large crown has the Baume & Mercier phi symbol logo applied to it. On the wrist the watch will prove to be a more flattering companion, but at this price level it has some serious competition.